Collagen for Tissue Engineering Applications

Collagen proteins are a component of the extracellular matrix important. They possess biological degradability, low antigenicity, and superior biocompatibility. Collagen enhances the mechanical strength and elasticity of tissues. In addition, it serves as a natural substrate for cell adhesion, proliferation and differentiation. The primary reason for its frequent preference in Biomedical applications is its ability to form cross-linked fibers with enhanced extracellular power and stability. In most collagen-based drug delivery systems, the in-vivo absorption of collagen is controlled by the use of cross-linking agents such as glutaraldehyde, formaldehyde like and bağlama.

Collagens are the most abundant proteins in the body and play a crucial role in the formation of Tissue and organs. In healing wounds, collagens are synthesized by cells such as fibroblasts and transformed into complex morphologies. The type, quantity and structure of collagen in the wound change during the healing process, which determines the tensile strength of the healed skin. Collagen III is the first collagen synthesized in the early stages of wound healing and is later replaced by collagen I, the dominant skin collagen. During granulation tissue formation, the initial random deposition of collagen is further strengthened by covalent cross-links. In this process, collagen is matured into complex structures to increase tensile strength. Remodeling of collagen continues after wound closure. If the ideal wound healing process occurs, the tensile strength of the repaired tissue reaches approximately 80-85% of that of normal tissue. The most prevalent collagens in the skin are fibrillar collagens common I, III and V.

Although collagen has many advantageous properties, it also has disadvantages such as low mechanical strength, high biodegradability and a low melting point. These characteristics limit its use in biomaterials. Therefore, collagen is often combined with other materials and polymers to enhance its properties for specific applications.